Adjustable diaper garment



March 3, 1953 M, M. NIELSON ADJUSTABLE DIAPER GARMENT Filed Aug. 23, 1951 INVENTOR. Mar/an M Abe/son HER AGENT Patented Mar. 3, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ADJUSTABLE DIAPER GARMENT Marian M. Nielson, Portland, Oreg.

Application August 23, 1951, Serial No. 243,219

6 Claims.

This invention pertains to diaper garments, and relates particularly to the novel construction' of a diaper garment whereby the latter is rendered adjustable within wide limits to accommodate proper application to babies of substantially all sizes within the diaper-wearing ages.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an adjustable diaper garment constructed in such manner that it automatically conforms to each of the various shapes characterizing babies of diverse ages and sizes, where by to insure proper fitting of the garment to all of such babies.

Another important object of this invention is the provision of an adjustable diaper garment which may function as the diaper per se or, alternatively, which may function as a covering for a folded diaper carried detachably therein.

A further important object of this invention is the provision of a diaper garment which is capable of positive attachment over a wide range of adjustabili-ty by the novel construction of a slide fastener.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable diaper garment which is of extremely simplified construction, which need be made in but one size and yet accommodate use by babies of substantially all sizes and which, accordingly, is capable of economical manufacture.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the inner side of a diaper garment embodying the features of this invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the outer side of said diaper garment;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged plan view of the diaper garment showing details of construction of the slide fastener;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side view of the diaper garment as applied to a large baby; and

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side view of the diaper garment as applied to a small baby.

Referring to the drawing, the diaper garment of the present invention comprises a main body, indicated generally by numeral I, constructed of sheet material. Various types of sheet material may be used, as explained in detail hereinafter.

The body is formed in the symmetrical shape illustrated to provide a wide back portion 2, a front portion 3 of reduced width and an intermediate crotch portion 4 of still further reduced width.

Stated otherwise, the back portion 2 curves laterally outward from its transverse edge 5 to a point of greatest width and then curves smoothly inward to the intermediate crotch portion i. The crotch portion continues into the front portion 3 in a smooth outward curve to the point I of greatest width and thence inwardly to the transverse edge 8 of the said front portion.

The peripheral edge of the body I is preferably serged, as shown at 9, or otherwise finished in well-known manner to provide a border of pleasing appearance.

Extending laterally across the inner side of the back portion 2 is a narrow strip I0, preferably of the same material as the body I. This strip extends from the transverse edge 5 beyond the widest points 6 of the back portion and is secured along the peripheral edge of the latter. The strip I0 functions with the back portion 2 to form a pocket which is open along the transverse edge I I of the said strip.

In similar manner, a strip I2 is secured across the inner side of the front portion 3 of the body I, the said strip extending from the transverse edge 8 beyond the widest points I to form a second pocket which is open along the transverse edge I3 of the strip I2.

The pockets formed at the opposite end of the body I by the strips I 0 and I2 function to receive the opposite ends of a folded diaper I4. The diaper may be of any oflthe well-known types, such as soft cloth or disposable paper, and is folded in such manner that its length is slightly less than the length of the body I and its width is substantially equal to the narrowest width of the crotch portion 4. The dimensions of the diaper may be chosen to provide as many folds as is desired.

It will be apparent that various means other than the preferred pockets just described maybe employed to secure the diaper I4 detachably to the body I. In any case, when the diaper is provided, the body I is preferably made of a water repellent material such as plastic, rubberized or plastic-coated nylon or other fabric, or of other materials well-known in the art.

On the other hand, the body I may be m'ade of conventional diaper cloth and in any thickness desired. In such instances-there need be no provision for detachably securing a folded diaper to the body I and hence the strips I0 and I2 or other securing means may be omitted.

As illustrated in the drawing, there is secured to the outer side of the front portion 3 the elongated slide member I5 of a slide fastener. As best shown in Figure 3, this slide comprises a loop 20.

3 plurality of spaced staples I6 secured transversely across an elongated rib ll formed by gathering up longitudinally the intermediate portion of an elongated strip W of cloth. The row of staples extends substantially the entire length of the strip 18 and the opposite ends of the row terminates in a guide ferrule It. The cloth strip 18 is secured transversely of the front portion 3 preferably along a line extending through the widest portion of the latter, indicated by points 7. The row of staples l6 terminates slightly inwardly of the marginal edge 9 of the body I, as shown.

Secured to the inner side of the back portion 2 at each of the opposite widest points 6 is a These loops are each secured to the body I adjacent the border 9 and, if desired, may also be secured to the strip it or body t at their inner ends, as shown. Each of the loops functions to secure freely therein a ring 2.! which is attached to a fastening clip 22 adapted to slide over the elongated slide member for releasable but positive engagement therewith in any positionof adjustment selected. The rings 2i pivot freely on the loops 20 to provide the necessary action described hereinafter.

Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawing, the diaper garment is shown applied to a baby of relatively large size such, for example, as a three year old baby weighing about 30 pounds. It is to be observed that the transverse edge 5 of the back portion 2 rests in the small of the babys back 23. The lateral ends of the back portion 2 fold forwardl around the babys hips and the edge 5 extends in a downward direction toward the widest points 6. The front portion 3 extends upwardly from the crotch and terminates at the transverse edge 8 in the lower area of the babys abdomen 24.

The fastening clips 22 are each inserted at opposite'ends of the elongated slide [5 and drawn together sufiiciently to form a snug waistband. In; thisregard it is to be noted that, by the positioning ofv the, slide fastener elements at the widest dimensions of the back and front portions, which are, formed a; substantial distance inwardly from the, respective transverse edges 5 and 8,2 wide waist bandis provided, This waist band extends on the. back portion, 2 from the edge 5. to a line substantially coincident with the edge; H of the pocketrforming strap it: The waistband on the front portion, 3 extends from the. edge 8 to. the lower'edge of the slide member cloth. strip. 18.. This wide waist band functions to. secure the garment upon the baby over a wide area and thereby provides a more comfortable fit.

In the foregoing illustration the openings for the babys legs 25. are adjusted automatically by the positions of theclips 22 on the slide member [5. Thus, the leg openings decrease progressively as the clips are moved closer together. Inany position of adjustment the sides of the garment body i between the points 6 and the crotch 4 and the. sides between the crotch and the points 1- are drawn snugly into contact with the babys legs.

It is to be observed further, in'Figure 1, that the Icons 20 have permitted the clip rings H to pivot thereon, whereby to accommodate the oblique arrangement of the edges 5 and 8 without twisting or otherwise distorting the garment body- Referring now to Figure 5" of the drawing, the

4 diaper garment illustrated in Figure 4 is shown applied to a small baby about two months old. Substantially the entire broad waist band of the back portion 2 described hereinbeforc is positioned above the small of the babys back. The front portion 3 of the garment extends upwardly from the crotch to a much greater distance than shown in Figure 4, to cover a substantial part of the babys abdomen. The transverse edges 5 and ii of the garment lie substantially in the same plane, as compared with the oblique arrangement shown in Figure 4. Thus, as is desired, a greater part of the small babys body is covered by the garment, as compared with the larger baby.

In Figure 5 the clips 22 have been drawn closer together on the slide member l5 than they are in Figure 4, the wide waist band securing the garment snugly but comfortably about the babys body. The openings for the legs have automatically been reduced to proper size.

It is to be noted, in Figure 5, that the clip rings 2| have pivoted on their respective loops 24] from the oblique position shown in Figure 4 to a po-- sition of alignment, where-by to accommodate the shift of the transverse edges 5 and 8 from the oblique arrangement of Figure 4 to the aligned. arrangement of Figure 5. Thus, the use of the slide fastener affords positive adjustable connection of the back p0rtion2 with the front portion 3, and the pivotal attachment of the clips 22 permits shifting of the said back and front portions in the manner described to accommodate application of the garment to babies of various sizes.

From the foregoing it is believed to be. apparent that the present invention provides an advantage of adjustability heretofore not available in the structures of the prior art. By the novel construction herein described, the diaper garment is rendered adjustable to such extent. that but one size of manufacture is required for use on babies of substantially all sizes within the diaper-wearing age group. Moreover, the provision of the slide fastener affords minute adjustments over a wide range and provides for positive security of connection between the back and front portions of the, garment while simul-. taneously accommodating the pivot action necessary for the proper adjustment of the garment.

Having now described my invention and the manner in which the same may be used, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: I

l. A diaper garment comprising a main body of sheet material shaped to form a back. portion, a front portion and an intermediate crotch portion, an elongated slide member secured transversely to the outer side of the front portion adjacent the transverse edge of the latter, and a slide fastener clip secured pivotally to the back portion adjacent each of the opposite lateral sides of the latter, the said clips being adapted to slidably engage the slide member, whereby to secure the; back and; front, portions together pivotally and adjustablyl.

2. A diaper garment; comprising a. main body of sheet material shaped to form a back portion, a front portion of reduced width and an intermediate crotch portion of still further reduced width, the back and front portions being of greatest width inwardly of their transverse edges, an elongated slide member secured transversely to the outer side of the front portion, at the Widest part of the latter. and a slide fastener clip secured pivotally to the back portion adjacent each of the opposite lateral sides of the latter at the widest part thereof, the said clips being adapted to slidably engage the slide member, whereby to secure the back and front portions together pivotally and adjustably.

3. A diaper garment comprising a main body of sheet material shaped to form a back portion, a front portion and an intermediate crotch portion, securing means adjacent the opposite ends of said main body for releasably securing the ends of a folded diaper thereto, an elongated slide member secured transversely to the outer side of the front portion adjacent the transverse edge of the latter, and a slide fastener clip secured pivotally to the back portion adjacent each of the opposite lateral sides of the latter, the said clips being adapted to slidably engage the slide member, whereby to secure the back and front portions together pivotally and adjustably.

4. A diaper garment comprising a main body of sheet material shaped to form a back portion, a front portion and an intermediate crotch portion, pocket means adjacent the opposite ends of said main body for releasably securing the ends of a folded diaper thereto, an elongated slide member secured transversely to the outer side of the front portion adjacent the transverse edge of the latter, and a slide fastener clip secured pivotally to the back portion adjacent each of the opposite lateral sides of the latter, the said clips being adapted to slidably engage the slide member, whereby to secure the back and front portions together pivotally and adjustably.

5. A diaper garment comprising a main body of sheet material shaped to form a back portion, a front portion and an intermediate crotch portion of reduced width, securing means adjacent the opposite ends of said main body for releasably securing the ends of a folded diaper thereto, the back and front portions being of greatest width inwardly of their transverse edges, an elongated slide member secured transversely to the outer side of the front portion at the widest part of the latter, and a slide fastener clip secured pivotally to the back portion adjacent each of the opposite lateral sides of the latter at the widest part thereof, the said clips being adapted to slidably engage the slide member, whereby to secure the back and front portions together pivotally and adjustably.

6. A diaper garment comprising a main body of sheet material shaped to form a back portion, a front portion and an intermediate crotch part, elongated slide means secured transversely to one of said portions adjacent the transverse edge thereof, and slide fastener clip means pivotally secured to the other of said portions adjacent each of the opposite lateral sides and transverse edge thereof, the said clip means being adapted to slidably engage the slide means, whereby to adjustably and pivotally secure the back and front portions together.

MARIAN M. NIELSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,500,432 Ravkind et al Mar. 14, 1950 2,545,216 Toussie Mar. 13, 1951 2,545,761 Brink Mar. 20, 1951 

